Pediatric Craniofacial Center
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Advanced craniofacial and cleft lip and palate treatments for children
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, our team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons specializes in treating craniofacial conditions. We care for infants, children and adolescents with congenital disorders (present at birth), such as cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostosis. We also treat craniofacial conditions resulting from injuries, illnesses or tumors.
Our team focuses exclusively on pediatric surgery and understands that children's growing bodies require highly specialized treatment. We work with pediatric anesthesiologists to make surgery as safe and comfortable as possible. We aim to use less invasive techniques to help your child heal faster and with less pain.
You receive family-centered care that supports your child's physical, social and emotional growth. Our goal is to improve appearance and function, so young patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Collaborative craniofacial care
Since 1954, we've been helping children with head and facial differences achieve the best possible outcomes, combining surgical skill with supportive therapies. Our craniofacial specialists provide ongoing care tailored to each patient's changing needs, from birth through adulthood. We use the latest surgical capabilities, such as advanced 3D-printed skull models for precise surgical planning.
Craniofacial conditions can affect many aspects of a child's life, from speech and communication to eating and breathing. In our program, experts in many fields work together to help children reach their full potential, including:
Audiology
Dentistry
Dermatology
Genetic counseling
Neurosurgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Orthodontics
Otolaryngology
Pediatrics
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Social services
Care is further supported by dedicated pediatric nurse practitioners and additional pediatric subspecialists who collaborate as needed to address each child's unique needs.
Advanced craniofacial and cleft lip and palate treatments for children
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, our team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons specializes in treating craniofacial conditions. We care for infants, children and adolescents with congenital disorders (present at birth), such as cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostosis. We also treat craniofacial conditions resulting from injuries, illnesses or tumors.
Our team focuses exclusively on pediatric surgery and understands that children's growing bodies require highly specialized treatment. We work with pediatric anesthesiologists to make surgery as safe and comfortable as possible. We aim to use less invasive techniques to help your child heal faster and with less pain.
You receive family-centered care that supports your child's physical, social and emotional growth. Our goal is to improve appearance and function, so young patients can enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Collaborative craniofacial care
Since 1954, we've been helping children with head and facial differences achieve the best possible outcomes, combining surgical skill with supportive therapies. Our craniofacial specialists provide ongoing care tailored to each patient's changing needs, from birth through adulthood. We use the latest surgical capabilities, such as advanced 3D-printed skull models for precise surgical planning.
Craniofacial conditions can affect many aspects of a child's life, from speech and communication to eating and breathing. In our program, experts in many fields work together to help children reach their full potential, including:
Audiology
Dentistry
Dermatology
Genetic counseling
Neurosurgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Orthodontics
Otolaryngology
Pediatrics
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Social services
Care is further supported by dedicated pediatric nurse practitioners and additional pediatric subspecialists who collaborate as needed to address each child's unique needs.
Locations (dynamic)
Providers
Jason H. Pomerantz, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Glenn Rosenbluth, MD
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Alexander Y. Lin, MD, MBA
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Pediatric Plastic Surgery
William Y. Hoffman, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Awards & achievements
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Cleidocranial Dysostosis
- Craniofacial Anomalies
- Craniofacial Syndromes
- Craniosynostosis
- Crouzon Syndrome
- Hemifacial Microsomia
Treatments
- Cleft Lip Repair
- Cleft Palate Repair
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Craniosynostosis Surgery
- Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
3D printing for complex facial surgery
Preparing for surgery
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Recommended reading
Preparing for Your Child's Surgery
If your child is having surgery, there are many details about how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect during and after surgery. Learn more.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.